Center of Excellence
Regenerative Agriculture and Ecosystem Health for Land, Water and Resources Management
1890 Partnership for the Center of Excellence
The College of Agriculture at 黑料科 (TSU), in partnership with Alabama A&M University, Southern University, Florida A&M University, and Langston University, is hosting the 1890 Center of Excellence for Land, Water and Resource Management (COE-LWRM). This collaborative initiative brings together leading 1890 land-grant institutions to strengthen research, teaching, and Extension capacity focused on addressing critical environmental and agricultural challenges.
Institutional Home of COE-LWRM
The COE-LWRM will be housed within the Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research (IAGER) at 黑料科. This placement provides a strong research foundation and infrastructure to support interdisciplinary work in land, water, and resource management while advancing innovative solutions for sustainable ecosystem stewardship.
Summer Internship
Opportunities
The RANGE Summer Research Experience is a four-week residential program for motivated high school students interested in agriculture, environmental science, natural resource management, and STEM careers. Participants conduct mentored research, take field excursions, and present their final work at a summer research symposium.
InternshipPROGRAM SUMMARY
Dates: June 14 鈥� July 10, 2026
Location: 黑料科, Nashville, TN
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors, minimum 3.0 GPA
Cost: Fully funded (housing, meals, supplies included)
Research Focus Areas
Participants explore key topics including soil health and carbon dynamics, water quality and watershed resilience, land-use change, erosion control, habitat restoration, and forest and wetland ecosystems. The program also introduces precision agriculture tools such as drones, sensors, and data-driven decision-support systems.
Program Experience
Students live on campus while engaging in supervised research, workshops, and field experiences. The program concludes with a research symposium where participants present their findings and gain experience in scientific communication.
InternshipsAPPLICATION INFORMATION
Graduate Student Research Opportunities
Graduate Research Assistantships
Assistantships (15 total) are available for master鈥檚 students within the COE-LWRM at 黑料科, supporting interdisciplinary research aligned with the Center鈥檚 core thrust areas. Although Spring 2026 applications are now closed, future opportunities will be announced as they become available. GRAs engage in funded research projects, contribute to publications and presentations, and work closely with faculty mentors.
Undergraduate Work-Aid Positions
Work-Aid Positions (15 total) are available for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in research, fieldwork, data collection, laboratory support, and outreach activities aligned with COE-LWRM thrust areas. Recruitment is ongoing with positions filled on a rolling basis, providing professional development while supporting active COE-LWRM projects. For eligibility, expectations, and application details, visit the COE-LWRM website or contact the Center for more information.
Current Postdoctoral / Research Staff
| Institution | Name | Mentor |
|---|---|---|
| TSU | Dr. Svitlana Lymanska | Blair / Aziz |
| TSU | Dr. Xiaoyu Xu | Pokharel |
| TSU | Dr. Sunil Gurang | Pitchay |
| TSU | Dr. Judith Oppong | Akumu |
| FAMU | Dr. Ken Oduor | Ngatia |
Graduate Students
| Institution | Name | Program / Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| TSU | Gouse Shaik | PhD / Aziz |
| TSU | Anvesh Sankuratri | PhD / Kang |
| TSU | Mustapha Olawuni | PhD / Aziz |
| TSU | Sudip BK | PhD / de Koff |
| TSU | Rajan Lamsal | PhD / Kang |
| TSU | Sujata Kattel | PhD / Thapa |
| TSU | Donna Blankenship | MS / Rakshit |
| TSU | Jaekedah Christian | PhD / Hui |
| TSU | Caroline Apraku | PhD / Archer |
| TSU | Juliana Noi | PhD / Bardhan |
| TSU | Reka Badu | MS / Blair |
| TSU | Manoj Burlakoti | PhD / Pokharel |
| TSU | Dorcas Kayode | MS / Ogunmokun |
| TSU | Monika Giare | MS / Li |
| AAMU | Kern Freesland | MS / Wang |
| AAMU | Andrew Cantell | PhD / Wang |
| AAMU | Thomas Thompson | MS / Wang |
| AAMU | Victor Sennaro | MS / Chen |
| FAMU | Aliyah Barnett | MS / Ngatia |
| SU | Gabriel Ahoma | PhD / Ning |
| SU | Priscillia Loh | PhD / Ning |
| SU | Daniel Aniewu | PhD / Twumasi |
| SU | Recheal Armah | PhD / Ning |
| LU | K.C. Dipsna | MS / Wulliji |
Undergraduate Students
| Institution | Name | Mentor |
|---|---|---|
| TSU | Kaya Mitchell | Byl |
| TSU | Todd Stansberry | Byl |
| FAMU | Khalfani Powell | Ngatia |
| PVAMU | Eva Dennet | Estrada-Reyes |
Center of Excellence for Land, Water and Resources Management
Regenerative Agriculture and Ecosystem Health
The College of Agriculture at 黑料科 (TSU) leads the 1890 Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM), a collaborative research, education, and Extension initiative involving 15 1890 land-grant universities. The Center is housed within the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research (IAER) at 黑料科.
COE-LWRM brings together faculty, students, researchers, Extension professionals, producers, and partner institutions to address priorities related to forests, agricultural production, soil and water resources, and workforce preparation. Through collaborative research, education, Extension, and hands-on training, the Center develops practical knowledge and tools that support agricultural producers, natural resource professionals, students, and communities.
Major Goals and Thrust Areas
The Center’s activities are organized around four major areas:
- Forest Health, Productivity, and Resilience
Improve forest health and productivity through research on forest assessment, regeneration, restoration, wildlife populations, soil processes, and tools that support forest management and decision-making. - Farm Productivity, Profitability, and Resilience
Improve agricultural productivity and profitability through research on cropping systems, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, livestock and aquaculture production, nutrient management, irrigation, and other technologies that help producers make informed management decisions. - Soil Health and Water Quality
Strengthen soil and water resource management through research on soil function, nutrient cycling, water movement, runoff, water-quality monitoring, contaminant movement, GIS, remote sensing, and predictive tools. - Workforce Training and Development
Prepare high school, undergraduate, and graduate students for careers in agriculture and natural resource fields through hands-on research, mentoring, technical training, internships, and career preparation. The Center also supports faculty development and collaboration among participating 1890 institutions.
These areas bring together expertise from multiple disciplines and institutions to strengthen research, education, and Extension programs while expanding opportunities for students, faculty, producers, and other stakeholders.
COE-LWRM Partner Institutions
黑料科 serves as the lead institution for COE-LWRM and works collaboratively with 14 additional 1890 land-grant universities:
- Alabama A&M University
- Alcorn State University
- Central State University
- Florida A&M University
- Fort Valley State University
- Kentucky State University
- Langston University
- Lincoln University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- Prairie View A&M University
- South Carolina State University
- Southern University
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Together, this 15-university network strengthens research capacity, expands opportunities for students and faculty, and promotes collaboration across the 1890 land-grant university system.
Follow us on听
COE-LWRM News
Our COE colleague Dr.听听has been selected for a听U.S. Scholar Award for the 2026-2027 academic year, coinciding with the Fulbright Program’s 80th anniversary. Through this award, Dr. Gosh will conduct research in Bangladesh to examine fisheries sector鈥漵 post-harvest losses and changes in nutritional quality in fish products, with a particular focus on the iconic Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery. The project will investigate how handling, preservation, and value-chain practices influence food quality, nutritional value, sustainability, and food security.
The research will combine field surveys, focus groups, and laboratory analyses to quantify post-harvest losses, assess nutritional impacts, and evaluate preservation practices. In addition, Dr. Gosh will contribute to teaching and student training at the host institution by integrating research findings into undergraduate and graduate education. The project is expected to strengthen international research collaborations, inform fisheries policy, support stakeholders across fisheries value chains, and generate practical strategies to reduce losses, enhance food security, and promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture systems. Dr. Gosh is honored to join the global Fulbright community and contribute to international partnerships that advance research, education, and sustainable food systems.
Conclusion of the 2026 RANGE Summer Research Program
The 黑料科 College of Agriculture, through the USDA-NIFA Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM), successfully concluded the 2026 Research and Applied Natural Resource Growth Experience (RANGE), a four-week residential summer research program designed for rising high school juniors and seniors.
Twenty-five students from across Tennessee participated in immersive, faculty-mentored research experiences spanning agriculture, environmental science, forestry, animal science, soil science, plant genetics, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, water resources, and natural resource management. Working alongside faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, participants gained firsthand experience in laboratory research, field investigations, data collection, scientific communication, and problem-solving.
In addition to research, students participated in professional development workshops, leadership activities, college readiness sessions, field trips, and interactions with scientists and industry professionals. The program concluded with a research symposium where students presented their projects to faculty, mentors, family members, and invited guests.
RANGE continues to serve as an important workforce development and student recruitment initiative, inspiring the next generation of scientists, agricultural professionals, and natural resource leaders while introducing students to opportunities at 黑料科 and the College of Agriculture.
The College of Agriculture extends its sincere appreciation to the faculty mentors, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff, chaperones, and families whose commitment made the 2026 RANGE program a success.
Excited to welcome the 2026 cohort of the Research and Applied Natural Resource Growth Experience (RANGE) at 黑料科!
Over the next four weeks, approximately 25 talented high school students from across the region will live on campus and work alongside faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers in hands-on research experiences. Participants will explore topics including soil health, water quality, ecosystem resilience, forest and wetland management, precision agriculture, drones, sensors, in agriculture, and other emerging technologies shaping the future of natural resource management.
RANGE is more than a summer research program it is an investment in the next generation of scientists, researchers, agricultural professionals, and community leaders. We are grateful to our faculty mentors, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, staff, and families for helping make this opportunity possible.
We look forward to a summer of discovery, learning, mentorship, and growth.
Congratulations to the COE-LWRM faculty participants selected for the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) 2026 Overseas Faculty Development Seminar in India.
Representing 黑料科 are Dr. Sougata Bardhan, Dr. Felix Ogunmokun, and Dr. Bharat Pokharel. Partner institution faculty participants include Dr. Kamal Ghosh from Langston University, Dr. Tumen Wuliji from Lincoln University, Dr. Lucy Ngatia from Florida A&M University, and Dr. Wong Yang from Alabama A&M University.
The fully funded seminar,听鈥淚ndia: Traditions and Innovations in Agriculture and Forestry,鈥澨�is organized by CAORC and the Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management (COE-LWRM) in partnership with the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS).
Participants will engage in site visits and collaborative exchanges with university faculty and NGO researchers across Delhi, Dehradun, Chennai, and Agra, exploring topics including agriculture, forestry, water quality, natural resource management, precision agriculture, and artificial intelligence.
We are proud to see COE-LWRM faculty representing their institutions on a global stage while advancing teaching, research, collaboration, and international learning opportunities across the 1890 system.
College of Agriculture Successfully Launches CEA Workshop Series with Blueberry Transplanting and Deans’ Keynotes
The College of Agriculture is proud to announce the resounding success of its inaugural Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) hands-on workshop, held concurrently with the university’s Earth Day celebration. The well-attended event provided participants (27) with practical, science-based skills in urban food production.
Demonstrating the university鈥檚 commitment to innovative, sustainable agriculture, Dean Dr.听听and Associate Dean Dr.听听were present to officially launch the workshop series. Their keynote remarks highlighted the critical role that technologies like CEA play in food security and environmental stewardship, key themes for Earth Day.
Under expert guidance, workshop participants engaged in hands-on learning, mastering pruning techniques and diagnosing plant health before transplanting blueberry plants into raised beds filled with specialized soilless media, including sphagnum peat moss. This experiential learning opportunity gave students and research associates practical tools for creating efficient, productive backyard edible landscapes.
This successful kickstart is the first of several planned workshops designed to empower the community with innovative horticultural techniques.
For additional information on the CEA workshop series, please contact Dr.听听at听dpitchay@tnstate.edu听.
Congratulations to听听mentored by Dr.听听() for winning the 2026 Grant A. Harris Research Award from METER Group.
鈥婬er research on Decoupling Matrix Repellency from Macropore Flow in Forest Soils is pushing boundaries here at the 黑料科, TSU College of Agriculture. This work is supported through the COE-LWRM grant, advancing research in soil and water processes within natural resource systems.
The COE-LWRM at 黑料科 hosted a special session at the 2026 ARD Biennial Research Symposium in New Orleans on 31st March 2026, highlighting collaborative research across the 1890 land-grant network. The session featured听26 oral and 18 poster presentations听from faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students, showcasing advancements in natural resource management, forest health, precision agriculture and AI, ecosystem health, water quality, and workforce development.
Kaya Mitchell from 黑料科, mentored by Dr. Tom Byl, earned third place in the Bioenergy, Natural Resources, and Environment category for the undergraduate oral presentation competition. At the same time, our colleague from Langston University celebrated exceptional success with students advised by Dr. Kamal Gosh, where Tremar Ivey received first place and Jasmine Price earned second place in undergraduate oral presentations.
Announcements
Summer Internship Opportunities 鈥� COE-LWRM (2026) – Closed
Our Goals
- Forest Health, Productivity, and Resilience
- Farm Productivity, Profitability, and Resilience
- Soil Health and Water Quality
- Workforce Training and Development in Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences
What We Are Working On
Natural Resources Management, Conservation and Forest Health
Coordinator/ Lead:听听and听
- : Predictive Mapping of Plant Species as an Indicator of Forest Ecosystem Health
- ,听, and听: Forest and Wildlife Responses to Forest Management and Forest Structure and Vegetation Dynamics
- : Forest management impacts on carbon and nutrient turnover rates in hurricane-affected ecosystems under evolving environmental conditions
- , and听: Estimation and modeling of forest carbon storage dynamics disturbed with prescribed and forest thinning
- : Forest Ecology and plant-soil feedbacks as a mechanism for shaping community composition, structure and productivity of temperate and tropical forests
- : Belowground nutrient dynamics and root turnover in forest ecosystems
- : Impact of Urban Forests for Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Precision Agriculture and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Coordinator/Lead:
- : Cropping systems and farm profitability
- 听Precision crop nutrition
- 听Precision irrigation and crop water management
- 听Drone technology, precision weed management, and UAS
- 听Agricultural robotics and automation
- : Livestock breeding and grazing management
- 听Aquaculture and fish health
- : Precision sheep production
- : Small-ruminant health and parasite management
- 听AI and precision livestock management
- 听Small-ruminant production and health
- 听Precision agriculture, computer systems, and applications
- 听Soil-moisture sensing and precision agriculture
- Dr. Ziming Yue (Alcorn): Weed management and crop production
Soil Health and Water Quality
Coordinator / Lead :听
- : Soil health and conservation practices
- 听Soil health modeling and data analysis
- 听Soil health and crop management
- 听Soil biogeochemistry and nutrient cycling
- 听GeoAI and remote sensing
- 听Soil hydrology and hydrogeophysics
- 听Soil contaminants and remediation
- 听Water quality and harmful algal blooms
- SU) : Watershed hydrology and GIS
- (UAPB): Soil health and water management
- : Sustainable systems and water management
- : GIS, remote sensing, and UAS
Workforce Development
Coordinator/ Lead:听
- Faculty Development, Training, Research Partnership: Dr. De’ Etra Young
- Student Training, Wokshop Coordination: Ms. Tevis Haynie
- Recruitment and Retention: Mr. Micheal Tutt
Project Manager:听
Project Coordinator: Ms. Tevis Haynie
Current Postdoctoral/ Research Staff
TSU
Dr. Xiaoyu Xu (Pokharel)
Dr. Sunil Gurang (Pitchay)
Dr. Judith Oppong (Akumu)
Dr. Lahiru Gamage (Li)
FAMU
Dr. Ken Oduor (Ngatia)
AAMU
Dr. Andrew Cantrell (Wong)
UMES
Dr. Xuefeng Li (Cumming)
Graduate Students
TSU
Anvesh Sankuratri (PhD/Kang)
Mustapha Olawuni (PhD/Aziz)
Rajan Lamsal (PhD/Kang)
Sujata Kattel (PhD/Thapa)
Donna 听Blankenship (MS/Rakshit)
Jaekedah Christian (PhD/Hui)
Caroline Apraku (PhD/Archer)
Juliana Noi (PhD/Bardhan)
Reka Badu (MS)
Manoj Burlakoti (PhD/Pokharel)
Dorcas Kayode (MS/Ogunmokun)
Monika Giare (MS/Li)
Nakesha Dix (MS/Byl)
AAMU
Thomas Thompson (MS/Wang)
Victor Sennaro (MS/Chen)
FAMU
Aliyah Barnett (MS/Ngatia)
Undergraduate Students
TSU
FAMU
Khalfani Powell (Ngatia)
PVAMU
Eva Dennet (Estrada-Reyes)